Ndamukong Suh – July 31, 2016
Download PDF version
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh
(On how the Wide 9 defense will benefit the team) – “I think I’ve said it before: me, personally, I’ve had a lot of success in it. I think we have – in my opinion – the best coach that has an understanding of how the defense is ran in ‘Wash’ (Senior Defensive Assistant/Pass Rush Specialist Jim Washburn). Mix that with (Defensive Coordinator) Vance (Joseph) and all the other coaches – like (Linebackers Coach) Matt Burke who’s been in this system for a long time and understand it and knows how to get his linebackers prepared – I think it’s a great situation for us. We just have to make sure we stay healthy while we’re out here at camp, putting our first day of pads on, (and) just go out there and be physical and then come downhill and learn how to play the run as well as transition to pass.”
(On whether the Wide 9 defense places pressure on the linebackers) – “In my opinion, no, because the guys up front should be making it easier for them, giving definitive places to come downhill (and), at the same time, understanding that when they need to drop back in pass, we’re making it very clear for them, because we’re up field and getting after the quarterback and things of that nature. I think if we’re running at the correct (place), we’ll be making it a lot easier for them and allow them to see things a lot clearer.”
(On whether the first practice in pads felt different) – “No. It’s never different. It feels good actually. I love being in uppers. Spiders, it’s a little too thin, but we understand that’s one of the ways to keep us healthy throughout the year. But as professionals, if we learn how to practice in shoulder pads consistently, we’ll be very good.”
(On his comfort level in his second training camp with the Dolphins) – “I don’t have the transition of not having to deal with moving a house or things of that nature. Outside of that, I have a great team. Like I said before, (Director of Player Engagement) Kaleb (Thornhill) and his team have done a great job when I was coming here last year, of easing that pain for me. (It is) really just coming out here and focusing on football. We go into the hotel, buckle down and get ready to practice.”
(On the defense’s struggles against the run last season) – “You never want to be part of a defense that struggles, no matter where you’re at. I’ve been a part of struggling defenses before. I’ve been a part of great defenses, breaking records and different things of that nature. After having tasted success, you never want to see anything else. For me – and being seen as a leader – and somebody with a vocal point – I always really graded myself and my success off of how our team does, not individually.”
(On his leadership role) –“I’ve always been a person to lead by actions. I think leadership – from a vocal standpoint – people always have their rights to say things, but you always got to back it up from a playing perspective. Really, actions always speak louder than words. That’s how I view it.”
(On how DE Mario Williams can help the defense) – “I think Mario Williams can help us a lot. We have a great cast of guys on the defensive line. Mario will definitely be an intricate piece of that as well as a handful of other guys we have out there that you guys may not be aware of or know of at this point.”
(On what DE Jason Jones does best) –“’J.J.’ (Jason Jones) is a very versatile defensive lineman. He can play inside, outside, can stand up. He can pretty much do anything for us. He also knows how we like to run and call our plays when we get in certain formations and (are) doing certain things. ‘J.J’ is a huge help, and he was a huge help to me in (Detroit in) 2014, helping me call plays and do different things. It’s great to have another partner in crime that you’ve been with before.”
(On the energy in camp with a new head coach and defensive coordinator) – “I’m excited. I look forward to speaking to (Defensive Coordinator) Vance (Joseph). (I) had a long conversation with him yesterday about what he needs from me and, really, the focus that we need to do as an overall defense. (Head Coach Adam Gase is) a very energetic guy – very competitive – as is Vance. To have both those guys wanting to compete against one guy who’s on your side, it’s always fun to have that.”
(On whether he enjoys Head Coach Adam Gase’s trash talk to the defense) – “Yes, no question. It’s fun to have that. You always want your coaches to push you critically as well as emotionally overall. I’m happy with what we’ve got as a coaching staff. I think, at the end of the day, it’s about us as a group and as a defense to collectively come together and put everything together and go out there and perform.”
Mario Williams – July 31, 2016
Download PDF version
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Defensive End Mario Williams
(On his thoughts about the pass rushers as a group) – “Today was the first day we got to put on shoulder pads. I definitely think we are jelling. There is a lot of talent across the board and the most important thing with talent is, you got to have continuity and we got to learn how to play together and play off of one another. I think that the more repetitions and time we get together it will get better.”
(On if he thinks there is a double-digit sack guy on the roster) – “I think the sky is definitely the limit for us. We are not going to put numbers on anything. We just want to come out and work every day and, like I said, get to know each other, get to know how we play, get to know how we communicate – body language and so forth – and just come out and execute.”
(On his thoughts on how the Wide 9 defense will benefit the defense) – “It’s attack. In the situations that we have, (our) offense puts points up on the board, maintains the ball and things like that, we have the opportunity to go out and execute (and) it could be a long day (for opposing offenses) with what we have up front. It goes back to what I was saying about continuity – if we get our continuity down and we are out here playing and playing off of one another, good things will happen.”
(On if the Wide 9 defense puts pressure on the linebackers) – “I don’t think so, because we are not just getting up field. Our coaches, Coach Wash (Senior Defensive Assistant/Pass Rush Specialist Jim Washburn) and Coach T (Defensive Line Coach Terrell Williams), we are not just trying to run up the field to rush the passer. We are getting up the field being aggressive, but we want to make the plays. We want to make all the plays. We want to condition ourselves to be at the point where whenever we attack and go up the field, we can turn around and go get (the ball carrier). If guys are sitting there, slowing down or stuttering their feet or something, we are coming. That’s where we have to break old habits from anybody that we have – this is a new scheme for a lot of people. It’s an attack, aggressive (style and) we have to get that mentality and go with it. I think that every day that we come out here and just work at it, we will definitely have it.”
(On if he knows how playing time will be split between the defensive ends) – “I really don’t know. Like you said, there is quite a few (defensive ends). I think the biggest thing for us is if we can rotate and stay fresh and not miss a beat. Then I think, for me, and I think the coaches feel the same way, we would like to do that.”
(On if 50 to 55 snaps a game is okay with him) – “I’ll be alright just going out and making plays. That’s all I want to do and I know that’s what the other guys want to do. As long as we are out there and we’re fresh and we are humming, keep us out there, take us out, rotate, whatever – as long as we are out there causing havoc and creating chaos, that’s fine with me.”
(On if he creates more havoc with the pads on) – “Yes. We are out here learning how to play with one another. You can’t say that you’re going to go out here and have guys who are capable of doing things, but then if we can’t gel, it’s not going to (be productive) for us. I think the biggest thing for us, even with the pads on, we still have to do the small things – the fundamentals – and be able to play off of one another. That’s going to come. The mentality thing, I know we across the board we all have it. So going out there and putting pads on or not having pads on, we are still going to bring the same enthusiasm and same intensity.”
(On how he felt about leaving Buffalo) – “That was last year. At this point, it’s all about this year and all about us moving forward. None of us are going to talk about anything that is irrelevant.”
(On his reaction to Buffalo Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan not wishing him well) – “I didn’t hear anything.”
Dion Jordan – July 31, 2016
Download PDF version
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Defensive End Dion Jordan
(On his emotions about rejoining the team) – “I’m excited. I’m happy to be in the building. There’s a lot of new faces. Everything just seems kind of brand new. For myself, I’m just excited to get out here and be around the guys in the locker room and just have that opportunity to compete once again.”
(On if he ever had doubts that he would be allowed to come back) – “No. I was doing everything and being compliant with the league and doing everything (they asked of me). They reinstated me so I never had a doubt.”
(On what he wants his teammates and fans to know about him) – “I’m a hard-worker on the field, first of all. And I feel like they’ve seen that with my play and everything that I was doing while I was here, that’s for sure. I’m just a good person overall. I had a couple bumps and I had to overcome them. It was part of my journey as a person, first of all, and as a football player second. I’m kind of just putting that in the past and learning from it and moving forward, so I can make myself a better person and football player.”
(On what the past year was like for him and the hardest moment for him) – “It was tough. All of it was tough – just being away from the game for that whole year. But I knew I wanted to come back and I wanted to prove to myself first and foremost and then to the people in this organization, that I could be a big factor once I get out here. So I just put my mind to it. I trained real hard and now I’m here.”
(On if he feels like he let the team down) – “For myself, I’ve never felt like I had to live up to anybody else’s expectations but mine because my expectations for myself are higher than anybody can have for me. I feel like the main thing, though, were my mistakes off the field. They would cause me to miss a lot of games and continue to progress as a football player. I’ve addressed those things since I’ve been away. Now I’m back and now it’s time for me to get in work with these guys. We have a lot of good players here now – a lot of vets on the defensive line. I’m just excited to get out here and learn and continue to progress.”
(On if he feels like he let himself down) – “No, I don’t. I’m a young man. I made mistakes. I’m going to learn from them and move forward. Once I get out here and have a chance to compete with these fellas, I’m going to use everything that I’ve learned since I’ve been off to help the younger players and myself moving forward.”
(On where he is at right now and if he felt like he needed a suspension to change him) – “I don’t know. I wouldn’t say it like that. I hope if it didn’t happen, I would have made better decisions because then I would have been able to progress as a football player. But it’s life. (There) were mistakes that I made. Everything happens for a reason. I learned from it. I moved forward. I’m a better person now, and now I’m just working to continue to be a better football player.”
(On what position he envisions himself playing) – “On the defense. (Laughter)”
(On what he is weighing now) – “Around 275 (pounds) – the same as I was before.”
(On what happened with his knee) – “I just had it cleaned out. That was a little something that I had to take care of. But moving forward now, they’re taking care of me over here. I can’t practice so I’m doing a lot of conditioning and everything else to be prepared when I strap up.”
(On if he hurt his knee working out) – “That’s just between myself and the guys.”
Arian Foster – July 31, 2016
Download PDF version
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Running Back Arian Foster
(On the significance of him to be practicing this early in training camp) – “It felt good to just be back out here again – to get my feet wet, grinding with the fellas (and) enjoying football again.”
(On how he would describe his first day of practice) – “It was a pretty routine training camp day – run the ball, throw the ball, catch the ball.”
(On if he was ready to practice on the first day of training camp) – “I’ve got to go through their (the organization’s) process and trust their process and how they want to handle me. I always say, I’m just a chess piece and I’ll move when they say move.”
(On the process he went through to get ready to practice today) – “There’s a bunch of processing – a bunch of processing.”
(On how far along he is with the playbook thus far) – “I’m getting it down. It’s going to take a little time getting reps, getting acclimated to the terminology and getting used to the cadences and stuff like that. But at the end of the day, football is football so I’ll pick it up.”
(On how similar the playbook is to the playbook in Houston) – “Yes, it’s pretty similar to what we did (in Houston).”
(On his skill as a cut-back runner and why he is so good in a zone run scheme) – “Anytime you run the ball, it’s an 11-man effort. Over the years, you get good at playing off of what your teammates do. It’s a collective effort and it’s getting in sync with your teammates and helping them block the second level with your discipline.”
(On how beneficial Head Coach Adam Gase’s system is for him) – “It’s new. It’s different but I think being with (Head Coach) Adam (Gase), he really emphasizes that he wants to get the ball out of the backfield. I feel like that’s my best attribute as a running back – catching the ball out of the backfield. I can run routes with anybody, I feel, so I will be doing that to the best of my ability.”
(On his route-running ability and how he got so good at doing that) – “When I was growing up, my father was a wide receiver, so I wanted to be a wide receiver like him. He always used to have us running a route tree ever since he was little. With repetition over time, you get good at it.”
(On if he is hoping to switch to No. 23, the number he wore in Houston) – “It doesn’t matter to me.”
(On if he feels physically as he did before the injury or if that is not realistic yet) – “I actually feel better because I was coming off another injury. I actually feel better – more rested, healthy. I got a chance to train all summer.”
(On what he likes about what he has seen so far with the Dolphins) – “The weather is nice. You get a little ocean breeze, that’s new (to me). But aside from that – the atmosphere here, the people here – they’re on the front line of sports medicine (and) sports science. You can really see that working to the players’ benefit and I’ve already learned a whole lot here.”
(On if he is trying to get more reps) – “I’m just a chess piece. I move when they tell me to move.”
(On how he stays so determined and focused despite the injuries) – “That’s my nature. When you grow up with no lights and no food sometimes, you just develop that mentality. Nobody is going to hand anything to you, especially out there on the field. You have to handle the respect of your teammates and the respect of everybody around you, day in and day out. You just keep that mentality.”
(On what it is going to take to get back to the level that he had before the injury) – “Just consistency – coming out here and performing day in and day out to maximize my effort. But (I have to) be smart about it. I got a lot of time to rest last year so I feel fresh and I feel healthy.”
(On if he was anxious to see how his Achilles injury would respond to practice today) – “Was I anxious? No. I knew it was going to be fine. I’ve been training hard all summer.”
(On if practice went well today) – “It went well today.”
(On how long it will take him to learn this offense) – “Seven and a half days (laughter).”
(On how he arrived at that number) – “I don’t know – it’s a weird question. You don’t know until you know. It was sarcasm (laughter).”
(On if he picks up things pretty easy because he’s been playing in the NFL for a long time) – “This is true.”
Adam Gase – July 31, 2016
Download PDF version
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Head Coach Adam Gase
(On where his excitement level is with spiders today but pads tomorrow and how much that will tell him about things he doesn’t know yet) – “I think today’s a good start because we had the shoulder pads actually on. The things we didn’t have (were) the leggings in – which you can still get some good contact. You saw today a couple of good thuds there and that’s what we’re looking for, especially down here in this weather. If we can practice like that and get great work, that’s valuable to us just because there’s a different feeling when you get the lowers on. The heat – I mean your body temperature goes way up and if we can practice like this, it’s great; but now moving forward into training camp, we should be in full pads almost every day and we’ll really see where we’re at.”
(On if he talked to DE Dion Jordan yet and the details of that conversation) – “I have. I had a brief conversation when he first came in. It was very generic as far as, it’s exactly what I told you guys. I told him he has a fresh start with me. Whatever’s happened in the past is irrelevant and moving forward his job is to do everything that he’s been told he has to do right. Like I said yesterday, that checklist is fairly long. So (he’s) got a lot of steps going forward and we’re here to support him. I think we have a great group of people to try to help him moving forward.”
(On the decision to put DE Dion Jordan on the Non-Football Injury list) – “Obviously you guys know about the knee injury (now). Him coming in here, that was news to us. So when you don’t have contact with somebody for as long as we did, you don’t know every little detail (about) what’s going on. So that was the decision that we had to make and we’ll see how everything goes moving forward.”
(On if DE Dion Jordan gave him any sort of feedback from what he told him or if it was more of a one-sided conversation) – “He was really good. When you’ve been away from this for so long, I think he was really excited just to get back in the building. He was there early. He was trying to meet as many people as he could. Like he kept saying to me, he felt like he was walking into a different building. It looks different. There’s a lot of different faces for him. I think this is a good fresh start for him and it’s a chance for him to just start his career over.”
(On the status of DE Dion Jordan’s knee and how long will it take) – “Well right now, it looks like it could be kind of the Xavien Howard timetable. We’ll see. Now that he’s back with us, we’re going to feel better about being able to get that rehab process going and hopefully speed it up as fast as possible so we can get him out there when the league allows us to actually get him out there.”
(On if he would be surprised if DE Dion Jordan starts the year on the NFI list) – “That’s hard for me to predict right now. We’re going to have to see. This is going to be one of those things where everything’s day to day right now – especially with him. We’re still gathering information every day. I feel like we get a different phone call of, ‘Okay now you can do this, and now you can do this and this box is checked.’ So we’re really taking this slow and we’re gathering information as we go.”
(On moving RB Arian Foster off the PUP and how he looked today) – “I think he was really ready to go. He did a conditioning test the other day just to kind of see where he was at and how he felt. I know (Head Strength and Conditioning Coach) Dave (Puloka) came back to me and he was like, ‘He absolutely annihilated this thing.’ I think he (Foster) was trying to prove a point to us like, ‘I’m ready to go.’ We just need to be smart. I mean he’s coming off a major injury and we have to do a good job of making sure that, not only with the reps – and I know I’ve said this before with Cam (Wake) – of understanding how much he’s working in individual. We have to keep an eye on him because the biggest thing for us, it’s the duration. It’s training camp. It’s the preseason. It’s the regular season. We have to do a great job to make sure we’re doing the right things with him.”
(On the appearance that they have to keep RB Arian Foster off the field because he’s so eager to get reps) – “Yes, it’s a new offense for him. I mean the best way these guys learn things is to get out there and do it. He hasn’t had a chance to do anything and today was his first chance to actually get a rep. So I know he was itching to get in there and I think he, personally, has a lot to prove. He wants to show, ‘I’m coming back from this thing. I’m going to make something of this opportunity.’”
(On what he likes about CB Brandon Harris and CB Rashaan Melvin) – “I think we’re looking to find guys that we feel comfortable with bringing in. We work guys out. We’ve done some research on a lot of guys in the past. We’ve worked a lot of guys out in the spring that might not necessarily make headline news, but we put on the back burner and then they may come back up. I think right now, our defensive staff feels comfortable with the moves that we’ve made. We’re looking to give guys (an) opportunity, and we want competition. If we feel like it’s time to move on from somebody, we’re going to do it and try to bring somebody else in and say, ‘Alright, we’re going to give this guy a shot.’ Obviously, (Harris) wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t (with Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph in Houston). We’ll see this going forward of what guys can slide in there and make a difference.”
(On T Branden Albert getting a rest day) – “Considering the fact that we have so many young guys, we’re probably not going to have a ton of guys sitting out. I’m just trying to be a little bit proactive, especially with him. There are a couple guys on my list, but every time I’ve brought it up to them, ‘I’m thinking about doing something,’ I’m getting some negative feedback from them of, ‘I’m fine. I don’t need a rest day.’ But I think we do have to be smart as far as understanding that the season is long and we need guys for the duration. Making it to Week 8 or 9 doesn’t do anything for us. We got to be smart. We’re trying to use all our information. The fact that these guys are combative as far as wanting to be out at practice is a positive.”
(On how the players have responded in training camp so far) – “I haven’t heard any complaints. Guys have just been working. It’s the third day. You don’t know until you get 10, 11 (practices in), (a) couple days off, and all of a sudden you’ve got those three days before you play a preseason game. That’s when everybody starts hating each other. (laughter) Right now, I think we’re in great shape. It’s going to be (about) moving forward when it gets really tough. It’s going to be (about) how we respond and how we practice, what’s the tempo. We’ll know more the longer we go.”
(On DE Mario Williams getting a fresh start in Miami) – “Absolutely. Whatever has happened with him in the past, for me, I really don’t care. I know the guy that I had to actually go against in 2014, and I know how we had to game plan for that game. I think it actually … That team snapped a quarterback that had a 51-game touchdown passing streak, and we didn’t throw one that game. It was a tough defense to go against, because that pass rush was coming, and he was one of the main reasons why it was occurring. For us, going forward, whatever happened last year, I really don’t care. I just see the guy that’s out there working every day and trying to get better. I feel like he’s going to be an impact player for us.”
(On whether CB Bobby McCain is full go for practice) – “He’s full go. We’re good to go with him. He did everything that he needed to do, and we’re ready to roll with him.”
(On RB Arian Foster as a pass catcher) – “I think anytime we have a guy (that can catch the ball), that gives us options. When I watch him run routes, it just looks so smooth, and he looks effortless. It almost looks like he’s not running fast, but for some reason, guys struggle to cover him and then he pulls away. You don’t see many times where, if that ball hits his hands, that it’s on the ground. When you got a running back that can do that, it’s a great matchup, because a lot of times you have linebackers on the running back. If you’re a really good running back that can catch the ball, they start putting a safety on you. Now all of a sudden you got a linebacker on a tight end. Now the matchups start becoming issues at other spots. The more he can do – and the more our running backs can do – the more it opens up things for other positions as well.”
(On QB Ryan Tannehill’s passes in training camp so far) –“It’s really the first day that we pushed the ball a little bit down the field. I think there were a couple nice plays. At the end of the day, I keep looking at a lot of these throws … Guys need to make plays. If the ball is up in the air, we need to go get it. His biggest thing is getting that timing, so we have to run full speed at every snap. When we do get a chance to throw a takeoff route, we got to throw it correctly, but we have to be running at the same speed that we’re going to run in a game. You can’t create timing by going half speed in practice and then in a game be like, ‘Well, this one’s overthrown. This one’s underthrown.’ If you don’t have (any) sense of timing, how are you going to judge anything? I feel like right now, the way that our receivers, tight ends and running backs practice, they go full speed all the time. I feel like our sense of timing is going to get better and better.”
Adam Gase – July 30, 2016
Download PDF version
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Head Coach Adam Gase
(On how he judges how well his defense is doing without no pads) – “That’s interesting that you brought that up. Me and (Defensive Coordinator Vance (Joseph) were just talking about that on the field, ‘When is going to be our biggest telling point as far as where we are at on run defense? Where are we at in pass rush? Can we run the ball? How’s our pass protection?’ The biggest answer we could come up with is, ‘We’ll see what happens in the preseason. How are we going to look?’ We see so many good things as far as guys doing what we’re asking them to do and then it’s just kind of ‘How’s the competition?’ Are we good enough at the (first) o-line (unit) versus the (first) d-line (unit)? Are we weak anywhere along that line? So I guess every … Time will tell us everything and we’ll figure it out in preseason.”
(On if there’s one or two keys to the defense, whether it’s scheme, talent, youth, or health) – “Yes, I think right now with everybody being out there, I think the biggest thing we’re looking for is just to see if we’re constantly attacking. That’s what those guys on defense are looking for and we keep seeing, especially from the interior guys, you’re just seeing that penetration. I think more times than not, you see (Ndamukong) Suh really causing havoc on most plays and Jordan (Phillips) has done a good job, Earl (Mitchell) has done a good job. Then when you look at our ends, especially the guys that have been out there with that first group, they’re making it challenging on our edge guys.”
(On the importance for older players to mentor younger players at their same position) – “It’s always beneficial, especially from a coaching perspective, because it is a different vantage point. We encourage guys to do that. We don’t want to have guys to go outside their personality though, because you want – whatever they do – (to be) authentic. It’s genuine because when a (DE) Cam (Cameron) Wake says something to somebody, it means something to that guy. So that’s really what we’re looking for more than anything. If you’re going to say something and you want to be helpful, we want you do it in a genuine way.”
(On what he needs to see for G/T Laremy Tunsil to have a starting job) – “Once we get in pads, then I think we’ll be able to figure out more. That’s the biggest thing for me. Once we get the pads on and we really see where we’re at – whether it be offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, running backs – that’s going to be a big telling thing for us. Right now we’ve been in nothing but basically jerseys and cleats and helmets. So until we get pads on and we can really start evaluating that aspect, then I think everything will kind of start sorting itself out.”
(On his mindset about DE Cameron Wake) – “For us, the biggest thing is, if you watch individual (drills), he’s doing a lot in the individual (drills). You always forget that that time is valuable for those players and it is very taxing on them. So you can’t just look at, ‘Well he’s only getting two plays a period,’ or ‘He’s only getting four plays a period.’ I think today they ended up going almost 30-plus minutes in individual. I mean that’s a lot of time on him. So the good thing is, when you do have a sports science department, when you have a strength and conditioning staff and a training staff that’s doing things the way that we’re doing it, they’re able to keep an eye on him, inform us ‘Alright, this is where he’s at today,’ and we’ll just keep doing a good job of monitoring that going throughout camp.”
(On what he’s trying to accomplish with his quarterback drills) – “One, we’re trying to create great habits with pocket presence. We’re trying to make sure, I mean you try to make things as chaotic as possible so when you do hit a game, you feel like that’s just normal for you. So you’re trying to create chaos as much as possible with the quarterbacks, as far as making them feel like that’s how it could be in a game and how are you going to handle it?”
(On if DE Dion Jordan is in the building yet) – “He is in the building. There’s a certain protocol that the league has put out – as far as what we need to follow – so we’re allowed to have certain conversations. He’s allowed to do certain type of things or certain areas that he’s allowed to be around. Obviously, we’re taking everything very slowly. We’re trying to make sure that we do everything by the book, exactly the way the league wants us to do it. He’s trying to do a good job of doing exactly what he’s told to do. You talk about step one of like 500, whatever it is. It’s going to take some time for us to make sure that we do every little thing right for this thing to turn out the right way.”
(On if he has a feel for when DE Dion Jordan will start practicing) – “I have no idea.”
(On getting to know players and DE Cameron Wake) – “Very professional. He is everything that I was told, as far as a worker, what I was going to see at practice and I feel like he has said a lot of things at the right time that I’ve heard him say to some of his teammates that I’ve been very impressed with. He’s been very, to me, a vocal guy as far to what he is looking for out of some of his teammates.”
(On what he thought of WR Jarvis Landry’s pass attempt) – “I thought it was well. I mean it’s just tough sometimes – any time (Bryon) Maxwell is covering a guy – when you don’t throw it right. He (Maxwell) is so long and he has great speed to recover. It was good. It’s good to kind of keep throwing stuff out there and seeing what all of our guys can do.”
(On his thinking about keeping two verses three quarterbacks on the roster) – “I think every situation is different. I mean, if you have a situation where you want to keep three, then you do it and you figure out a way to make it happen. If you are in a situation where you want to keep two and keep a guy on the practice squad and that situation arises, then you do it that way. At the end of the year you have to look at every situation different.”
(On what he knows about QB Brandon Doughty and what Doughty needs to show in the preseason) – “He does a great job as far as finding completions. I think I made the comment to him one time, ‘Your progressions are usually wrong but somehow you find a completion.’ Then he’s like ‘Well that’s what I do.’ So he’s been doing it his whole career and he has found success getting completions. I’ve seen a guy that really did study over the summer, because just being able to come out yesterday and as much red zone as we did, if you didn’t do anything over the summer; you were going to be in bad shape yesterday. He did a good job. He came out there and he knew where to go with the ball, he found completions, he threw a couple touchdown passes. So it was good to see that he really took some time this summer and made sure that he knew what was going on.”
(On why he thinks the defensive backs and linebackers got their hands on so many passes today) – “I think sometimes defensive players make plays. I mean, that’s kind of what they get paid to do. At some point the quarterback is going to throw an interception, it’s going to happen. That might be breaking news (laughter), but he is going to throw a pick at some point this season. Reshad Jones breaking up a ball, I mean he is a Pro Bowl player. He’s going to make plays. At no point will a quarterback have zero interceptions throughout all of camp and the entire season.”
(On if defensive players getting their hands on the ball is a sign of anything) – “I think it’s a sign of good competition – whether it be on the defense or, sometimes, the quarterback making a poor decision, or just a poor route, or the defensive player making a good play.”
(On G Dallas Thomas lining up on the right side today) – “We’re just moving guys around. I’ve got no idea, I don’t even pay attention anymore just so I can’t answer your guys’ questions on the offensive line (laughter). I have no idea who practiced today on the offensive line. (Laughter)”
(On why he saves red zone 7-on-7s for the end of practice and what he wants to see from the quarterback during that period) – “The reason why we did it is we did a two-spot thing today so we could get more reps – especially for the backup players – because sometimes what happens is they don’t get as many reps as the ones. So it was a way for more guys to get reps, but by doing the red zone, it condenses the field so there’s not as much running. But once again, it’s the most important area on the field, so the more reps we can steal on periods like that, on 7-on-7, the better; because it just gets that timing and the competition down there – especially with no rush, it kind of gets that (timing) going for both sides of the ball really, offense and defense. What you want to see out of the quarterback is efficiency and can we put ourselves in a position where, when we do have a third down, it’s third and manageable. You want to try to avoid the third-and-8, the third-and-9, the third-and-10s from the 10. Those are tough throws. It’s a condensed area, it gets tight and they are low percentage plays. More times than not, you’re either kicking a field goal or somebody’s turning the ball over. So the efficiency down there is critical for a quarterback to have in the low red area.”
(On if he would prefer quarterbacks not throwing the ball in tight areas in the red zone but still making progress) – “I think that there is a fine line of when is the right time to do that and when is the right time to move the ball. I think our quarterbacks have had a good feel as far as ‘I know this is a good place for me to go. I know it’s tight, but I can make this throw.’ I think they’ve made great decisions as far as when it’s time to turn it loose and try to fit it there into a tight window.”
(On how the cornerbacks are doing on the second day of camp) – “They are doing better than how negative you want to be about it. (laughter) They are doing good.”
Branden Albert – July 30, 2016
Download PDF version
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Tackle Branden Albert
(On practicing in the heat) – “This is probably the hottest training camp I’ve been through. I did miss training camp last year. It’s pretty hot out here, but we got to do what we got to do. Like (Head) Coach (Adam Gase) said, it’s a benefit for us during the season when teams come down here. We got to get used to it, and we got to deal with it.”
(On playing against DT Ndamukong Suh and DE Cameron Wake) – “I’ve battled those guys when I was with the Chiefs, so now that we’re on the same team, it’s kind of scary; but you’re on the same side of those guys. Those guys (are) pushing us every day – even Andre Branch. He’s coming along. He’s going against me; he’s going to get better. He’s making me better and (so is) the whole d-line from Jordan Philips – all those guys. We got a great group of guys on the d-line and I think they’re going to get it done this year.”
(On coming off of his knee surgery last year) – “Last year – midway last year – I was still trying to figure myself out. It’s a simple fact. I got to start in training camp and start getting my groove back. I’m still kind of starting off slow, but I got a whole month to get back. And once I do, I’m not worried about it.”
(On whether he was pleased with his performance last season) – “I’m pleased with (the performance) for the situation I was in. Coming 10 months off of three ligament tears, coming back and not being in the best shape and coming back after 10 months, I made the Pro Bowl. And I don’t care how I made it, I made it. I tried to help this team the best I could last year and stay healthy the best I could. That’s my goal: stay healthy and help this team – help this offensive line – be the best we can be.”
(On taking G/T Laremy Tunsil under his wing) – “(It is) just like how I took Ja’Wuan James under my wing and all of the other young guys. He (Tunsil) is the future left tackle of this team. When my time is done, he’s going to step in. I’m going to make sure … That’s how you leave your legacy. When you teach a young guy and you’re sitting at home retired and you see that young guy flourish, you’ll be like, ‘I helped him along his way, and (he) has the potential to make a lot of money and change the future of his family generation after generation.’ That’s what you want. You want to leave that legacy just like all the other young guys. I try to help them the best I can, so they leave the game with something and they learn something from me and they could say, ‘Branden Albert was a great mentor.’”
(On who mentored him when he was a young player) – “(Former NFL Guard) Brian Waters. That’s one thing I’ve learned, when I step in the locker room, you hear all the great stories about him. And then he came in later in OTAs and that’s how he mentored me on and off the field. That’s something I learned, and that’s something I cherish.”
(On his advice to young players, like G/T Laremy Tunsil, about overcoming adversity) – “When he (Tunsil) becomes a 14-time Pro Bowler, people will forget about this. They’re already forgetting about it. Once he becomes the great player he is, nobody will ever mention it. People will laugh about it.”
(On the pressure G/T Laremy Tunsil is under being a first-round selection) – “We got enough time. He doesn’t have (any) pressure. He has the potential to play next to me and Mike (Pouncey) or whatnot. He’ll learn. He’s going to have his bumps and bruises, but I think for the most part, he will flourish.”
(On the difference between playing guard and tackle) – “That’s grown man business in there (at guard). I’m not going to lie to you. But (Larmey Tunsil) has the physical capabilities to do it. As long as he gets the playbook down – he learns the plays – I think he’ll be okay.”
(On the biggest challenge playing guard) – “You have to wrestle around with those guys all day long. But (Laremy Tunsil is) strong enough. He’s athletic enough. He can do it.”
Cameron Wake – July 30, 2016
Download PDF version
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Defensive End Cameron Wake
(On how is health is doing) – “That’s the big question. The elephant in the room.
(On how he is feeling coming off an Achilles injury) – “The elephant (Achilles) feels pretty good. It feels like it’s been forever – probably my longest offseason in the history of my playing days. Being able to get back out here, run around, get all the juices flowing – it feels good. There are a lot of things that you can’t really replicate in the bubble or in the rehab. Out here, you get those live action, fast-paced, high-tempo things so (I’m) getting after it and starting to build that toughness. I’m enjoying it.”
(On how he feels about his first step off the line) – “Well, it’s one of those things where you have to work yourself back into it. I’m trying to be smart about doing just enough and finding that sweet spot. You don’t want to kill yourself but you also got to get ready for the season. As you all know, that’s a big weight on my body, a weight on my mind. It’s a lot of stress. So you have to build your way up to it and I think we’re doing well so far.”
(On when the injury happened and what his mind was like at that time) – “Get to the quarterback. That was the only thing on my mind. All the other things are kind of in the distant, distant realm of your thought process. I’ve actually watched the play once. Even after (the injury), I still tried to get the job done on one foot but I didn’t really have anything left. I went down and the guys came and got me and from then on, it was all about doing everything I can to get back on the field.”
(On whether he knew right away what his injury was when it happened) – “As soon as it happened, I knew.”
(On if it is tough to deal with limited reps in practice) –“You got to look at the big picture. You can’t be a guy who just thinks about today; you got to think about December and being smart about what we’re doing now and having a plan. You can’t just go out here and say, ‘All right, first day, let’s do 100 reps.’ You got to make sure that you take the right steps. We’ve got a great staff here who has obviously been working really closely with me and making sure those things happen. You got to kind of turn that wild animal down a little bit and try to think long term and make sure that come December, whatever date, in the fourth quarter, you’re full go. That’s my goal and so far I think we’re doing the right thing.”
(On whether 40-45 snaps is enough) – “Enough to do whatever I can to help the team win will be enough. I’ve never had a number. Some days I’ve had 80 snaps and there have been days when I haven’t had that many; but when I’m out there, just doing whatever you can to make those snaps the best snaps, that’s all I’m really concerned about.”
(On anticipating having fewer snaps) –“You’re talking distant future. I don’t know. You’d have to ask some of the guys who kind of make more of those decisions. Until they put another zero on my check, I don’t think I have that power yet.”
(On the mental stress of the rehab) – “The funny thing is the physical part – I’m not going to say it’s easy – but it’s something that you’re very used to. I’ve built muscle throughout my life – built strength, you run, you lift – all of those things are part of your daily routine, part of your job description. Muscle fatigue, feeling that burn, so to speak is not new. Running is not new. Lifting weights is not new. Being mentally strong when you can’t get out of bed and you have to put your feet up for 30 hours a day, that’s the hard part. Watching your team play and you’re not out there, that’s the hard part. Being on crutches, being a little more dependent, when you’re kind of an independent guy, those are the hard things. It wasn’t the physical part at all that was an issue. I’ve always tried my best in the offseason to stress myself, to challenge myself. But the part where you’re kind of out of the game and you’re limited mentally, those are the issues that you’ve got to deal with more than the physical ones.”
(On what he was thinking about during the 30 hours he was sitting with his feet up) – “That was the hardest part, to be honest. It was that time when I was, quote-unquote, immobile. I’m not a guy who watches TV. I don’t sit in bed. I’m not built that way. So for a doctor to say, ‘Hey, you can’t work out. You can’t get out of bed. You can’t walk around, you can’t, can’t, can’t…’ that’s like a four letter word – can’t – to me. I just wanted to get up. I wanted to do one-legged hops up and down my stairs in my room. But obviously, you have to think long-term. You have to think about December and next year and so-on and so-forth, and be smart. That next level of intellect had to overcome that raging beast that I feel like I am and calm myself down and do the right thing.”
(On how he got over the hump and if there were vital people involved with that process) – “I have people close to me – a support system, family members – who have been there for me from Day 1. There are times where maybe you want to go get something out of the kitchen or whatever it is, and you can’t. Those are the people who help you; the days that you’re down and thinking about the things that you’re missing out on, they’re the ones who are there for you. In this world, there are not many people you can rely on, but I have people who I can, that I trust, and those are the people who got me through.”
(On what a typical rehab day would look like for him) – “It depends on which stage of rehab. The first stage is just sitting in bed and doing nothing. That’s post-surgery. That was the hardest part. I actually enjoyed the, ‘Get up, go to training room, ride the bike or job on the treadmill, do some calf exercises, start plyos, change of direction, ladder drills.’ All of those things that you kind of build yourself up, those are the things that I enjoy. That’s football. That’s what we do. That’s what I’m about to go do right now. It’s not abnormal to lift weights or run or do plyos. Sitting in bed and being still, that was the abnormal part. A typical day wasn’t much different than a typical offseason day for me, where you get up, eat, train, take a break, you rest and train again. It’s just you focus more on that injured part of your body than you would do if you were working on a total body in the regular season.”
(On what point he knew that he could come back and play) – “The second the play (the injury occurred on) happened.”
(On the addition of DE Mario Williams to the defensive line unit) – “On paper, it’s amazing. But obviously, it’s not your first rodeo with me. Paper has never won a football game and you have to go out there, as we’re doing right now, starting yesterday, go out there and put all of those pieces together to make it impressive. Right now, it’s just – I don’t know – fantasy football. I don’t know what it is, but it’s not anything tangible until we go out there and we start knocking heads. That’s when I start being impressed.”
(On the size of DE Mario Williams) – “That’s a lot of individual to deal with and I’m glad he’s on our side, causing problems for our offense. I’m glad we have (offensive) guys who are able to go against the likes of him and Ndamukong) Suh and myself and (Andre) Branch – and so on, and so on and so on – because I feel like that’s the real key to make everybody better. Come Sundays, when I got to look across and see those guys blocking X and Y-Z teams, I know, ‘Hey, you got the best of the best in practice so today should be in our favor.’
